Mikaela Davis Explores Sound + Self-Acceptance On John Congleton-Produced Debut 'Delivery' Out July 13 On Rounder Records

Mikaela Davis is a young harpist, pianist, singer and songwriter who crafts sweet and salty songs that straddle the lines of folk and funk, AM rock and 80s pop experimentation. Mikaela had dreams of joining a symphony and studied classical harp at music conservatory, but after she began writing her own songs and touring them on school breaks her path changed course. Mikaela will make her full-length debut with ‘Delivery’ on Rounder Records July 13, which was produced by John Congleton (St. Vincent, Future Islands, Angel Olsen, Alvvays). She is also about to embark on a nearly sold-out tour with Lake Street Dive beginning May 4. ‘Delivery’ is a thrilling adventure over 10 tracks: a sonic exploration that challenges what the harp can do, and one that details the sometimes arduous path to self-acceptance and feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Watch the video for “Delivery” 

Album opener and title track “Delivery” is a stunning entry point, a touch of gospel piano and plucked bass that bursts into a wall of sound. It begins with lyrics of disillusionment: “Well you know I tried prayin’ / tried to wish it all away / even tried to meditating / but the feeling stayed the same,” and shifts to a triumphant acceptance of steadfast love. As the album unfurls, it’s dabbed with synths, fuzzed out bass and guitar, harp cascades and ping-pong effects. Mikaela’s voice shines on top – a little raspy with a range that goes from whisper to wail. “Get Gone” and “Other Lover” lock into deep grooves. “Emily” is one of the album’s most tender moments, a quivering duet between harp and voice (here Mikaela is joined by The Staves, who also appear on “Pure Divine Love”).

Mikaela hails from Rochester, NY and after a brief sojurn to Brooklyn resettled there, falling in with a thriving artistic community that helped to create the environment she needed to make this album. She has been the special guest on tours with Bon Iver, The Staves, Punch Brothers, Watkins Family Hour and more. She’s also performed with Bon Iver during their own sets and recorded on Sara Watkins’ solo album.

‘Delivery’ features all original songs written or co-written by Mikaela on harp or piano save one, “Emily,” written by childhood friend and band member Alex Coté. On the album Mikaela is joined by Alex on drums/percussion/guitars and Shane McCarthy on bass.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE

‘DELIVERY’ TRACK LIST:

1. Delivery
2. Get Gone
3. A Letter That I’ll Never Send
4. In My Groove
5. Emily feat. The Staves
6. Do You Wanna Be Mine
7. Little Bird
8. Other Lover
9. All I Do Is Disappear
10. Pure Divine Love feat. The Staves

TOUR DATES:

MAY 4 - The Sinclair - Cambridge, MA*

MAY 6 - Ulster Performing Arts Center - Kingston, NY*

MAY 8 - Higher Ground - South Burlington, VT*

MAY 9 - College Street Music Hall - New Haven, CT*

MAY 10 - Brooklyn Steel - Brooklyn, NY*

MAY 12 - The Fillmore - Philadelphia, PA*

MAY 13 - Mr. Smalls - Pittsburgh, PA*

MAY 15 - Thalia Hall - Chicago, IL*

MAY 18 - The Great Escape at One Church - Brighton, UK

MAY 22 - The Lexington - London, UK

MAY 23 - Ford Theatres - Hollywood, CA*

MAY 24 - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA*

MAY 25 - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA*

MAY 29 - Commodore - Vancouver, BC*

MAY 30 - Showbox at the Market - Seattle, WA*

JUNE 2 - MontBleu Casino - Lake Tahoe, NV*

JUNE 15 - Bergenfest Festival - Bergen, NO

JUNE 16 - BLA - Oslo, NO

JUNE 17 - Maifeld Derby Festival - Mannheim, Germany

* w/Lake Street Dive